Entries in special interests
(3)

Progressive Democrats have spent the better part of the week in hysterics about President Barack Obama’s tax negotiations with Republicans. The gist of the hysteria: “We just CAN’T afford those tax breaks for the rich—Republicans are holding us hostage!”

The bottom line on that hysteria is the real hostage takers are portraying themselves as victims.

I had a long conversation this weekend with a young woman who is sharp and educated, but held firmly in place by Democrat politics. This is partly a result of history taught in public schools. As we chatted, it became apparent she believed some myths Democrats love to promote.

Astounded is a great word to describe my reaction to an Associated Press story about pharmaceutical companies pushing large amounts of cash towards Democrats. I've often critted AP stories about global warming AKA climate change AKA the little ice age. But the story, 'Obama's health care plan helped by drug industry' contains a remark so misleading I felt compelled to speak up. Here's the sentence in question: "The White House and allies in Congress are well aware of the effort by Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, a somewhat surprising political alliance, given the industry's recent history of siding with Republicans and the Democrats' disdain for special interests."

What astounds about that statement?

For starters, 'Democrats' disdain for special interests.' Is the writer of the story so naive s/he really believes Democrats have disdain for special interests? If you believe that is a true statement, I've got a car that runs on bubble gum I can sell you.

The other "astoundment" is the writer's self-contradiction. Further along in the story, s/he notes: "Drugmakers have also funneled more money to Democrats in recent years, a trend that began soon after they gained control of Congress."